UTACCEL 2010

Adventures in Biotechnology

Graham Cromar

Genetics

InheritancePunnett Square

B = purple flowersb = white flowers

Bb x Bb (Cross)

1:2:1 Genotypic ratio3:1 Phenotypic ratio

“B gene” “Big B allele” “Little b allele”

Allele = a form of a gene

Homozygous = BB, bbHeterozygous (or hybrid) = Bb

Segregation and Independent Assortment

9:3:3:1 phenotypic ratio

A = Yellow, a = greenB = Round, b = wrinkled

“True breeding”

“Hybrid”

Genes are physically on chromosomes

Not all genes assort independently.

Genes that reside close to one another on the same chromosome separate less frequently and this alters the characteristic 9:3:3:1 ratio in predictable ways.

Three Important Points to Remember1. Chromosomes are made of DNA2. Segments of DNA code for a protein3. Protein in turn, relates to a trait (eye

color, enzymes, hormones..)

“Linkage”

DNA StructureDNA is a long double-stranded molecule residing inside the nucleus of every cell. It is usually tightly coiled forming chromosomes in which it is protected by proteins.

Each of the two strands of the DNA molecule is a chain of smaller molecules. Each link in the chain is composed of one sugar molecule, one phosphate molecule and one nucleotide molecule. There are four types of nucleotides (or 'bases') in the DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). The two strands of DNA are structured in such a way that an adenine on one strand is always attached to a thymine on the other strand, and the guanine of one strand is always bound to cytosine on the other strand. Thus, the two strands of the DNA molecule are mirror-images of each other.3’ 5’

5’ 3’

aatgccgt

ttacggca “complimentary” “anti-parallel”

“Twisted ladder”

Replication

http://www.scq.ubc.ca/breakfast-of-champions-does-replication/Highly recommended:

ATGCCG

TACGGC

ATCCCG

TAGGGC

A a

ATGCCG

TACGGC

“template”

ATGCCG

TACGGC

a a

ATCCCG

TAGGGC

A

ATCCCG

TAGGGC

A

A : TG: C

“Complimentary base pairing”

Mitosis and Meiosis

Aa

AAaa

Aa Aa

Aa

AAaa

Aa Aa

A A a a

Gene Expression

How are Proteins Synthesized from DNA1. DNA is transcribed into mRNA (messenger RNA)2. mRNA leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm3. Ribosomes in the cytoplasm use the code on mRNA to translate it into amino acids4. Amino acids form a chain - a protein

Transcription and Translation“Codon”“Anti-codon”“Amino acid”“Transfer RNA”

The Genetic Code

Mutations

Large scale changes occurring at the level of the chromosome also occur. These change the copy number of a gene or genes. Usually this is bad.

Model OrganismsAdvantages:

•Fast generation time•Genetically tractable•Easy to perform crosses•Large numbers or progeny•Interesting features e.g. Frog morphogenesis•Plant photosynthesis•Representative of diverse lineages•Similar to ourselves (mammals)•Extensive knowledge baseIdea:

By understanding the function of a gene in one organism, scientists can get an idea of what function that gene may perform in a more complex organism such as humans. The knowledge gained can then be applied to various fields such as medicine, biological engineering and forensics.

ABO blood groupsBlood type is controlled by a gene “i”

There are three forms:iA iB iO

Each allele makes a different antigen, a protein sitting on the surface of the red blood cell

iA and iB are co-dominantiO is recessive

Quiz

1. Draw the complimentary strand to the following single-stranded DNA molecule.

ATTAGGACTTAGGA5’ 3’

2. Three new born babies have been mixed up by the nurses at the hospital. Given the blood types of the parents and babies can you match the babies to the correct set of parents?

ParentsAB x O

A x B

AB x AB

BabiesAB

B

O